A motion calling for the Ombudsman to inhibit from the investigation into House Speaker Martin Romualdez over alleged fund misuse is not unprecedented, according to a lawyer from the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).
Atty. Kristoffer James Purisima, a FLAG member, said that the Office of the Ombudsman has previously inhibited from high-profile cases. He cited the example of the late Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, who recused herself from the investigation of former President Benigno Aquino III's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) due to potential conflict of interest.
"The Ombudsman has the discretion to inhibit when there is reasonable ground to believe that the office cannot act with impartiality," Purisima said in an interview.
The call for Ombudsman Samuel Martires to inhibit stemmed from allegations that he had prejudged the case against Romualdez. The complaint, filed by activist groups, accuses Romualdez of misuse of P1.5 billion in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations.
Purisima emphasized that the inhibition would ensure fairness and avoid any perception of bias. He added that the Ombudsman's decision to inhibit would not hinder the investigation, as the Deputy Ombudsman could take over.